Pentecostalism is a diverse Protestant movement emphasizing a direct, personal experience of God, often through spiritual gifts like speaking in tongues and divine healing. Whether Pentecostals watch television varies significantly based on the specific denomination, local church culture, and individual convictions. While some groups maintain a strict prohibition on media consumption, the majority today focuses on selective viewing and content moderation.
The Historical and Theological Basis for Media Scrutiny
The initial restrictive view on media consumption traces back to the early 20th-century Holiness movement, which heavily influenced the nascent Pentecostal faith. This tradition emphasized “entire sanctification,” a post-conversion experience meant to cleanse the believer from original sin. This focus on “outward holiness” led to the development of strict standards of conduct and appearance, intended to demonstrate a clear separation from secular society.
Television, movies, and popular music were categorized as “worldliness,” defined as anything that distracted from spiritual devotion or introduced temptation. Leaders viewed the media as a source of immodesty, secular values, and fantasy that was not conducive to spiritual growth. The concern was twofold: the content itself was often deemed sinful, and the act of watching was seen as a waste of time that should be dedicated to prayer, Bible study, and church attendance.
For some conservative groups, the television was referred to as the “one-eyed devil box,” symbolizing a gateway for negative influences into the Christian home. This historical stance created a culture where media was viewed with deep suspicion, leading to formal rules against owning a television set in certain congregations. This foundational skepticism explains why the question of a “TV ban” remains common regarding Pentecostal practice.
The Spectrum of Practice: From Strict Abstinence to Selective Viewing
The Pentecostal movement’s approach to media consumption exists on a wide spectrum, ranging from absolute prohibition to cautious engagement. Mainstream denominations, such as the Assemblies of God and the Church of God, generally permit television viewing and do not enforce a formal ban on ownership. For these groups, the focus has shifted from prohibition to content moderation, allowing members to exercise personal discretion guided by biblical principles.
Conversely, Holiness Pentecostal groups, notably the United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI) and certain independent Apostolic churches, often maintain the historical, strict standard. These denominations frequently include a formal ban on television ownership and viewing as part of their “holiness standards.” This strict adherence is rooted in the belief that worldly entertainment hinders spiritual progress and growth.
Even within denominations that allow television, many individual families choose to limit viewing based on personal conviction and a desire to maintain a conservative lifestyle. The rise of digital media has further complicated the issue, as the original ban on a physical television set is challenged by the ubiquity of smartphones and streaming services. This has forced a broader conversation about media ethics, even among conservative adherents.
Guiding Principles for Media Consumption
For the majority of Pentecostals who engage with media, the decision of what to watch is governed by a set of filters rather than a simple rule. The primary filter is the Content Test, which involves scrutiny of a program’s themes, specifically looking for violence, sexual content, profanity, and anti-religious messages. If the content is deemed to promote or normalize sinful behavior, it is often avoided.
A second principle is the Time Test, which ensures that media consumption does not displace spiritual disciplines or family obligations. Excessive viewing can become a distraction from prayer, Bible study, church ministry, and fellowship. This principle encourages members to manage their time responsibly, prioritizing activities that contribute to spiritual development.
The overarching framework is the Spiritual Test, often summarized by the question, “Does this draw me closer to God or further away?” This is linked to the biblical instruction to focus on things that are pure, lovely, and of good report. Furthermore, Pentecostals have actively embraced media for their own purposes, with the rise of Christian broadcasting and televangelism providing acceptable alternatives that align with their values and mission.